A federal court jury in Honolulu has convicted a 44-year-old man of two drug charges.

U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo says Francis Kalani Lii faces a mandatory life sentence because of his previous criminal record.

Kubo said Lii was found guilty Monday of distributing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

Lii was convicted in state court in 1991 of promoting a dangerous drug — cocaine.

In 1997, he was convicted in federal court of conspiring to distribute cocaine and meth, as well as distributing cocaine.

Lii is to be sentenced Nov. 6 by U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor.

$3.27M GRANT AIDS OCEAN RESEARCH

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded a grant of nearly $3.3 million to the Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory at the University of Hawai'i.

The grant will be used for research in waters off the main and northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

In addition to the $3,273,459 grant, the university was awarded a $250,000 NOAA grant to develop hatchery and nursery protocols for the commercial production of pink snapper or 'opakapaka.

POLICE SEEK HELP ON SCHOOL BURGLARY

Kaua'i police are investigating the theft of $17,000 worth of computer equipment and $3,000 in damage from a burglary Sunday night at Kapa'a Middle School.

The burglary occurred in the library and computer room.

Anyone with information can call Detective Carl Oliver at 808-241-1682, police dispatch at 808-241-1711 or Kaua'i CrimeStoppers at 808-241-1887.

LEANING UTILITY POLE A PROBLEM

A leaning utility pole prompted authorities to evacuate the tennis and volleyball court areas at Kailua District Park yesterday.

South Kainalu Drive between Ku'ulei Road and Ku'upua Street was closed to traffic. Hawaiian Electric Co. troubleshooters were assessing the problem.